Jeff Green: I Was Overshadowed by Durant and Westbrook, I Can Really Play

If and when the NBA settles their obnoxious labor dispute, Jeff Green has some business to take care of. Green was one of the main pieces in the surprising Kendrick Perkins deal the Celtics put together last season. Boston gave up a talented young player but hoped bringing one in would help ease the worries of Celtics fans. Green contributed some quality minutes off the bench, but was not exactly what you would call a difference-maker. When play resumes, he hopes to change that.

“Yeah, man, you know a lot of people don’t know what I can really do,” Green told the Boston Herald on Wednesday. “In Oklahoma, I was kind of overshadowed by Kevin (Durant) and the way Russell (Westbrook) picked up, but, excuse my language, I can really (expletive) play. I can really play this game, man.”

When you have one guy who is capable of doing this and another who thinks he’s the best player on the floor, it is certainly easy to be overshadowed. With the Celtics roster aging rapidly and the Big Three entering the final year(s) of their careers, Boston needs Green to step up and be more than just a role player — assuming they resign him as a restricted free agent.

“I had some good meetings with (coach) Doc (Rivers) before the lockout, and I’ve been talking to (Paul Pierce) and Ray (Allen),” Green said. “Next year they’re really going to allow me to play, and I think that’s what I need. I need to go out there and just play. Sometimes I think too much, but I just need to go out there and play the game. I’ve got great confidence in myself, but things were a little difficult last year.”

If he’s using Durant and Westbrook as an excuse in Oklahoma City, he should use Pierce, Garnett, and Allen as motivation in Boston. Their leadership and experience can only help a player like Green, and they won’t be around much longer. The former Hoya has a great opportunity and great situation in Boston. Now, he just has to cash in.